Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood Deliver a Breathtaking Surprise Duet of “Does He Love You” at the Grand Ole Opry, Leaving the Audience in Awe
On the evening of September 22, 2017, the Grand Ole Opry stage was filled with magic, music, and monumental surprises as country music royalty came together to honor Reba McEntire’s 40th anniversary of her Opry debut. The crowd was already in for a special night with a lineup that included Reba herself, along with fellow country legend Vince Gill. But no one could have predicted the star-studded surprises that would unfold, turning the evening into one of the most unforgettable celebrations in Opry history.
Reba McEntire, one of the most influential and enduring voices in country music, first graced the Grand Ole Opry stage in 1977. Over the next four decades, she would go on to define the genre, selling millions of albums, earning countless awards, and solidifying her status as the “Queen of Country.” The 40th-anniversary event was meant to be a tribute to her incredible journey, but in true Opry fashion, it became a night filled with joy, nostalgia, and unexpected delights.
The evening started with Reba delivering a set of her biggest hits, her voice as powerful and emotive as ever. The crowd roared as she performed classics like Fancy, The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia, and Is There Life Out There? With each song, the energy in the Opry House grew, as fans recognized they were witnessing a historic night.
The first surprise of the evening came when Vince Gill, one of Reba’s longtime collaborators and closest friends, took the stage. The two shared a warm embrace before launching into a moving duet of The Heart Won’t Lie, their 1993 hit that had become a fan favorite. The chemistry between the two was undeniable, and the crowd was captivated by their flawless harmonies and heartfelt performance.
Just when the audience thought the night couldn’t get any better, country music icon Dolly Parton made an unexpected entrance, sending waves of excitement through the Opry House. The legendary singer-songwriter greeted Reba with her signature charm and humor, reminiscing about their decades of friendship. Then, the two icons treated the audience to a breathtaking duet of Jolene, blending their unmistakable voices in a once-in-a-lifetime performance that had fans on their feet.
As the night continued, the surprises kept coming. When Reba introduced Carrie Underwood to the stage, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause. Underwood, one of the biggest country stars of the 21st century, had often cited Reba as one of her greatest inspirations. The moment was both heartwarming and symbolic—a passing of the torch between two generations of country royalty.
Together, Reba and Carrie performed a spine-tingling rendition of Does He Love You, the Grammy-winning 1993 duet originally recorded by Reba and Linda Davis. Their powerhouse vocals filled the Opry House, sending chills through the audience. As they exchanged lines of longing and heartbreak, their voices soared in perfect harmony, creating a goosebumps-inducing moment that left the crowd in awe.
The significance of the duet was not lost on anyone in attendance. Does He Love You was a song that had defined Reba’s career in the 1990s, and hearing it reimagined with Carrie Underwood—a superstar in her own right—felt like a moment of history in the making. The standing ovation that followed was deafening, proving that great music and legendary voices are truly timeless.
After the duet, Reba took a moment to reflect on her career, sharing heartfelt words of gratitude with the audience. She spoke about her early days in the industry, her journey to stardom, and the unwavering support of the Grand Ole Opry. Her eyes shimmered with emotion as she thanked her fans, fellow artists, and the Opry family for standing by her side for 40 incredible years.
The night continued with even more celebratory performances, each one honoring Reba’s contributions to country music. Various artists took turns paying tribute to her, covering some of her biggest hits and sharing personal anecdotes about how she had inspired them. It was a testament to the lasting impact she had made on the industry and the many lives she had touched through her music.
One of the most touching moments of the evening came when Reba’s mother, Jacqueline McEntire, was recognized in the audience. Reba’s deep connection with her family has always been at the heart of her music, and seeing her mother’s proud smile as her daughter was honored made the night even more meaningful.
As the grand finale approached, all the evening’s performers gathered back on stage for one final, show-stopping performance. Led by Reba, the group launched into Fancy, turning the Opry House into a full-blown celebration. The energy was electric, with everyone in the audience singing along, clapping, and dancing to the country classic.
The night ended with Reba taking center stage, soaking in the love and appreciation from the crowd. With tears in her eyes and a radiant smile on her face, she took a final bow, marking the end of a historic celebration. But even as the curtain closed on this special evening, it was clear that Reba’s legacy would continue to shine just as brightly for years to come.
The 40th-anniversary event at the Grand Ole Opry was more than just a tribute—it was a reminder of why Reba McEntire remains one of country music’s most beloved artists. With a career spanning over four decades, she has not only given fans timeless music but has also paved the way for future generations of artists.
Through surprise duets, heartfelt tributes, and unforgettable performances, the night captured everything that makes country music so special: storytelling, camaraderie, and the power of music to bring people together. It was a celebration worthy of a queen, and for those lucky enough to be in attendance, it was a night they would never forget.
